The Stewards authorised the following substitutions of riders at this meeting:

G. P. Brouder rode One Over The Top, trained by Peter McCreery (Race 7)(Stewards Permission)
G. P. Brouder rode Millyupdahilly, trained by Peter McCreery (Race 8)(Stewards Permission)
S. P. Davis rode Dragon Roll (reserve) trained by Eamonn O'Connell (Race 8)

371A Join Us On Instagram Claiming Race

D.P. McDonogh, rider of Kasansay trained by Christopher David Timmons, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout this race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident after the turn into the straight involving Comeragh Belle, ridden by R.P. Cleary, Ghumama, ridden by J.M. Sheridan, Kasansay, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, and Happy Lad, ridden by C.D. Hayes where it appeared that Comeragh Belle checked and Happy Lad may have got unblanced. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, C.D. Hayes stated that his mount has a bad head carriage and is not genuine so he elected to keep him wide but a challenger appeared quickly down his inner and his own mount rolled immediately and contributed to the incident. R.P. Cleary stated that his mount was not quick enough to take a gap and it closed from both sides. D.P. McDonogh stated that his mount got pressure from his inner but he felt overall that his mount had kept reasonably straight. J.M. Sheridan stated that he was ahead of the incident and felt that his mount was not involved in any trouble. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Ms. Sheila Lavery, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Steps In The Sand, placed first, as compared with its recent run here at Dundalk on the 25th November when finishing eighth of twelve runners beaten twelve lengths by the winner Maura's Gift. Ms. Sheila Lavery reported that her charge raced prominently the last day and failed to get home in a race that was run at a very fast pace which can be verified by the sectional timing of that race. She added that a level pace today suited her charge who came with a well timed challenge. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

371C Irish Stallion Farms EBF M'dn

D.P. McDonogh, rider of Capital Guarantee trained by Kieran P. Cotter, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right in the last half furlong.

J.M. Sheridan, rider of Market House trained by Barry Connell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered after two furlongs.

D. McMonagle, rider of Memorial Verse trained by Edward Lynam, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very free during this race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at the end of the back straight involving Market House, ridden by J.M. Sheridan, Allie Bear, ridden by R.P. Cleary, and Lady Montse, ridden by R. Whearty where it appeared that the pace slowed up and Market House checked when racing close to the running rail. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, J.M. Sheridan stated that the pace steadied up front and he took back when receiving a little pressure. R. Whearty stated that he received pressure from his outside and was trying to mind Market House which he knew was on his inner. R.P. Cleary stated that he was happy to get a lead but Capital Guarantee raced down the outer, slotted in and then steadied the pace causing a knock on effect with the runners behind. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

371D1 Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk H'cap

G.M. Ryan, rider of Manwal trained by Tracey Collins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his saddle slipped on leaving the saddling stalls.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from John C. McConnell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Higher Kingdom (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. John C. McConnell reported that his charge was not a straight forward type and everything must go right for him during a race where he must get a clear passage without encountering any problems. He added that a report was furnished to the Raceday Stewards the last day at Dundalk on the 23rd November that his charge was slowly away from the start. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

371D2 Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk H'cap

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ta Na La (USA), trained by T.M. Walsh, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Cheers Again (GB), trained by Paul W. Flynn, placed first, compared with its previous form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that this gelding was a big raw immature horse that made his debut at the Curragh on the 26th March when outclassed on yielding ground. He explained that the next run at Gowran Park on the 7th April his charge was outclassed again before appearing for the third time in eighteen days at the owners request at Gowran Park again on the 13th April when struggling on the yielding to soft ground. He added that his charge ran next at Cork on the 22nd July after a three month break and pleased connections but through immaturity he changed his legs a lot and ducked during the race. He felt in the next few weeks that his charge felt flat at home and was eased off in his training. Following a one hundred and forty five day break, the animal came here today on the back of a very good piece of work recently on this surface and was competing in what was felt to be a weak race with a good handicap mark. He advised the Racedays Stewards that the significant betting patterns were as a result of his owners support for this animal. Evidence was also heard from Mark Bird, Rules of Racing Handicapper, who detailed the horses previous racing performances and outlined the improvement shown today. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations.

371E Dundalk Stadium Gift Vouchers M'dn

Siobhan Rutledge, rider of Rockview Consort (GB) trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount lugged left in the final furlong.

D. McMonagle, rider of Hawke Eye trained by P.O'Rourke, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount checked off heels one furlong from the finish.

371F DundalkStadium.com H'cap

J.M. Sheridan, rider of Newgirlintown trained by Gerard O'Leary, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly impeded at the two furlong marker.

C.P. Hoban, rider of St Cianans Fire trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled during this race.

R.C. Colgan, rider of Brown Eagle trained by M.C. Grassick, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was bumped turning into the straight.

R.P. Cleary, rider of Kodiac Prince trained by Thomas Cleary, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left up the straight.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined St Cianans Fire, trained by John C. McConnell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Newgirlintown, ridden by J.M. Sheridan, placed second, and Halcyon Spirit (GB), ridden by Tom Kiely Marshall, placed first, where it appeared interference had occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J. M Sheridan stated that he received two bumps in the closing stages, which he felt cost him the race. Tom Kiely Marshall stated that his mount lugged right towards the parade ring entrance, but felt he reacted as quickly as he could to prevent his mount going further right and was satisfied that his mount won the race going away after the incident occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while accidental interference had occurred, the winner had not improved his finishing position as a result of this interference, so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and took no further action.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident turning into the home straight involving Brown Eagle, ridden by R.C. Colgan, and Millyupdahilly, ridden by G. P. Brouder where it appeared that minor interference had occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

371G Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) M'dn

D. McMonagle, rider of Little Rascal trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped left from the starting stalls.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:

Dr. Paddy Molony (Chairman),

Mr. John Tyrrell,

Mr. Frank Fitzsimons,

Mr. L. Walsh.

Disclaimer: Please note this information is provisional and is subject to amendment until published in the Irish Racing Calendar.